Sunday, October 28, 2012

OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck

I've long been a Steinbeck fan. It's not about his biggies like GRAPES OF WRATH and EAST OF EDEN, but more about CANNERY ROW and SWEET THURSDAY. Last night I reread OF MICE AND MEN because I'll be teaching it to my 10th graders next trimester. Having reread this one, I'm going to pledge to find the time to reread my other favorites.

George and Lennie move from farm to farm to eek out a living as hired hands. George is the brains behind the pair because Lennie, although powerful individual capable of heaving sacks of barley like no other man, is mentally challenged.

The two men arrive at the next farm ready to work. George warns Lennie to let him do the talking or they might be sent packing. He reminds Lennie they had to leave their last job because of Lennie's mistake.

Steinbeck captures the time period as well as the life of the traveling hired hand in OF MICE AND MEN. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my students. Although they might see it as an "old time" story, I know the emotional aspects of the story will draw them in and perhaps create a few new Steinbeck fans.﻿

Readingjunky is currently enjoying -

THE BABY by Lisa Drakeford

Welcome to Readingjunky's Reading Roost

Hello fellow readers! I am starting my 38th year of teaching. I truly enjoy connecting my students with great books.

For anyone not familiar with my posts, I review mostly YA fiction. My focus is on books for middle grades and high school age readers. I have reserved the right to review only books I feel I can review positively. After all, I believe life is too darn short to read books that don't truly interest me.

Readers will be able to view a brief summary of each book, my quick thoughts on any unique qualities in the book, and a peek at the cover. (I confess - I do sometimes "judge a book by its cover.") I will also post information about Accelerated Reader points since my students will be interested in this information.

I appreciate any comments you would like to share regarding the books reviewed and also suggestions about additional books that readers might enjoy. Always on the lookout for new material to use in my classroom, I'm open to any and all suggestions.

I look forward to sharing many reading related thoughts with interested readers.